Bich Dong Pagoda is an ancient pagoda built on the Truong Yen limestone mountain range in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. This is a historical and cultural relic belonging to the Trang An - Tam Coc - Bich Dong Scenic Complex which has been ranked as a special national monument and recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.
Gate to Bich Dong Pagoda.
Bich Dong Pagoda was originally named "Bach Ngoc Thach Son Dong", meaning a beautiful and pure white stone pagoda in a remote mountain area. In 1774, Lord Trinh Sam came here and changed the name to Bich Dong Pagoda.
Entrance to Ha Pagoda.
Ha Pagoda is located at the foot of Truong Yen limestone mountain.
Bich Dong Pagoda is a type of cave pagoda that is very popular in Ninh Binh. Other typical pagodas include Bai Dinh Pagoda, Dich Long Pagoda, Canh Dieu Pagoda, Ky Lan Pagoda, Hoa Son Pagoda, Hang Pagoda, etc. Dong Xanh (Bich Dong) is one of the famous scenic spots known as "Nam Thien De Nhi Dong", meaning the second most beautiful cave in the South.
Bich Dong Pagoda consists of three pagodas, distributed along the mountainside from low to high: Ha Pagoda, Trung Pagoda and Thuong Pagoda. Ha Pagoda is at the foot of the mountain, consisting of 5 rooms built on a high, stone-paved foundation. The pagoda worships Buddha, behind the pagoda are stupas. Trung Pagoda is located halfway up the mountain, with only the door and roof exposed, the remaining architecture is hidden in a cave in the mountain.
The scenery at Bich Dong Pagoda still retains its ancient and wild beauty.
The pagoda was built around the 15th century, worshiping Buddha Sakyamuni. Above the pagoda roof are two Chinese characters "Bich Dong" carved by Prime Minister Nguyen Nghiem (1708-1776) on the cliff in 1775 under the order of Lord Trinh Sam. From Ha Pagoda, visitors climb 90 stone steps on the left to reach the middle of Ngu Nhac mountain range, Trung Pagoda.
Trung Pagoda is located halfway up the mountain.
Thuong Pagoda is located on the top of the mountain.
This is a very unique pagoda, rarely found anywhere else. The cliff here is hollow like a dragon's mouth, containing a part of the pagoda inside, leaving only a part of the front roof of the pagoda exposed. Bich Dong Pagoda adds an ancient look to the Trang An World Heritage Site.
On the way to visit Bich Dong Pagoda, visitors will admire the beautiful landscape of Ninh Binh.
Nguyen Duc
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